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Middle Elementary School Group - 11:00

 Starting Sept. 18th at 11:00 AM

Program for Middle Elementary aged children (Meet up the ramp in the back of the house 1st floor)

created and edited by Mary B. Collins for UUCD

In living our lives Unitarian Universalists may draw from many sources of wisdom including:

  • Jewish and Christian heritage,
  • World Religions and cultures
  • Direct experiences, and
  • the words and deeds of prophetic women and men ,

Each of these sessions will begin by a song or music reminiscent of the topic, and the telling of the central story to all the participants.

 

Following the story, K-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade children will meet in separage age groups to process the story through "Questions to Ponder" and activities designed for multiple intelligences.  Sometimes they will meet as one group (depending on attendance and the planned activities - particularly art, drama, or social action projects).

 

On Social Action Sundays (4th Sunday of the month) the children will have an opportunity for age appropriate activities that will shepherd social action project(s) they will vote and plan.

Sessions Topics:

  • What is Covenant - promises between us, Biblical example,
  • "The Boy Who was Afraid to Try" (Ugandan tale of self awareness of the skills we can discover in community).
  • "The Trustworthy Traveler" (Islamic tale about honesty & yearning to learn).

 

  • How Many Rules to Live by? 10 Christian & Jewish,4  Hindu, & 8 Buddhist
  • Pagan Harvest Holiday: Lammas (ethic "Do No Harm" and "Work for What we want to grow in the world")

 

  • Voter Registration 1965 - The Story told by African American Margaret Mosely (UU principle # 5 - All people need a vote in what concerns them)
  • Be Fair - Fannie Barrier Williams - African American Service Clubs

 

  • Advent "Preparing the way"
  • Winter Solstice - Earth based religions
  • Undeserved Suffering- (Biblical Job, Greek Pandora's Box)
  • This Too Shall Pass (Jewish version with King Solomon, and an Islamic version)
  • Is this Good? Is this Bad? No matter - Give Thanks.
  • Prayer - The Lord's Prayer and many others,
  • Anger and Tranquility - Buddhist tale
  • Forgiveness 
  • Humble leadership (Jesus washes his disciples feet)
  • Passover, Queen Esther & the holiday of Purim
  • "The Bird Who Cleaned the World" (Mayan tale recorded by Victor Montejo reminds us that everyone has a task in keeping our environment in balance)
  • Who Are the Prophets? (past & present examples!)
  • Rachel Carson (a prophetic woman who noted changes in the web of life - there's no peace in keeping silent)
  • King Asoka - From warrior to peaceful and caring King
  • UU chalice symbol and what they tell others about their faith.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was done From Sept. 2009- May 2010:

 Come Sing a Song With Me (Songs and their Stories) at 11:00 AM
Visitors of all Ages are welcome but this is particularly open to children ages three through the grade five (and please See "Junior High"  tab for programming for 6th-8th graders). 
 
This new program will encourage children to sing as a tool for their spirituality.  Mary Collins, Director of Religious Education, will lead many sessions when we will take the time to learn a multicultural song and a meaningful story that will enhance our understanding of it.
 
Harmony, rhythm, movement, and sharing songs the participants love (and will teach each other) will be encouraged.
 
Expect a "Musician of the Month" Guest to be invited, to expose the children to a variety of styles of music and instruments.
 
The sessions will be based on the Songbook Come Sing A Song With Me: A Songbook for All Ages by Melodie Feather and the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network.
 
A Sample of songs we will work on learning and singing:
  • Shalom Havayreem (Jewish Tradition)
  • Come, Come Whoever You Are (Rumi - Sufi Tradition)
  • Meditation On Breathing (meditation practice - many faiths)
  • Spirit of Life (a UU tradition in many congregations)
  • And songs for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Multigenerational Services